If we are torturing human beings because we suspect they might be our enemies then we have already fallen. Your reasoning could be used to support any tyranny. That's the downside of democracy, and God bless it. Makes it harder, but why else would the struggle be worth it? Stalin and Lenin proceeded on the basis that you can't make an omelet without cracking some eggs. Are we to settle for their standard of right and wrong? The ENDS DO NOT JUSTIFY THE MEANS.
Jeeze Louise I hate to break it to you but this country has never been pristine particularly in times of war. Neither has any other country.
I'm just telling you what's going to happen if you get your way. A mega terror attack will lead to an end to this argument. There will be no more discussion. Please tell me you at least understand the concept of an end of democracy if the terror attack is big enough. I would really like you to think about that.
Repeat that calmly when you are on your knees having your throat cut.